Reflecting the Good News of Christ

When I came to Alaska, I had no idea they experienced so many earthquakes. There are numerous tremors daily. Many Alaskans have apps on their phones just to track the size and number of these events. In the fourteen months I’ve lived here, I have felt at least three earthquakes. Along with the earthquakes, there are also a few active volcanos in the state. Last year, one of them blew several times, causing air travel disruptions and cancellations due to the ash plume. As you might expect, with these events also come tsunamis, and there […]

In recent months, I’ve been prayerfully asking: “What kind of Church is God calling us to be today?” I believe that much of the answer lies in the papacy of Pope Francis. As St. Francis himself was called to ‘Renew my Church” I believe we are being called to a renewal in our time by this Pope. I’m all in! As a new year begins, I wish to share with you some basic components of where we will be directing our energies in the foreseeable future. Already planning is underway to schedule a series of […]

On this Feast of the Holy Family, our attention is drawn to the early days in the life of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. It is important to look intently at this Holy Family, especially during the Christmas season, to learn from them how every family grows in holiness. First of all, in the midst of this family is the Son of God, Jesus. The Incarnation is a precious gift from God, who shares with the world, with each family, and every person, the gift of his Son, that we might know the depths of God’s […]

I celebrated Mass today with the Sisters of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus who live and work here in Anchorage. (Pictured left from a previous visit.) Before we began, they asked me to offer the Mass for the six sisters from their community who were kidnapped in Nigeria several weeks ago. Even though we have our own challenges here in the US, we fail to realize the day-to-day sacrifices and challenges faced by so many in the world today. There are so many refugees looking for a safe place to live, and the numbers of […]

One of his disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at Jesus’ side. (John 13:23) These words describe the profound relationship that existed between Jesus and the Apostle, John. The same reference is made in the Gospel for today’s Feast, (John 20:2). Does this describe my relationship with Jesus? Does this define your own? If we call our self Christian, especially Catholic, then Jesus must be at the center of our life, and the point of reference for our self-understanding, our vocation, our values and priorities. Jesus must hold preference of place in and […]

Christmas Homily, 2017 Merry Christmas! First, I wish to greet all who are joining us tonight either by radio or television. I also wish to thank the families who came together to sponsor the broadcast of this year’s Midnight Mass. You know who you are! To those here present, or those watching or listening from another place, especially if you are having a difficult time, know of God’s nearness. A few days ago, Pope Francis said: Even if there were no one else left to remember us, Jesus would always be there at our side. […]

Rev. Steven Moore, a somewhat iconic priest of the Archdiocese of Anchorage, ‘made it home for Christmas’ today, after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. In the coming days, there will no doubt be numerous tributes paid to this incredible man and priest. Fr. Moore was battling cancer when I arrived in Anchorage last November. In fact, a phone call to him while he was undergoing intense radiation treatment on his nose, in Seattle was the first thing I did when I arrived in Anchorage last November. It has been humbling and inspiring to […]

On this 20th of December, my predecessor, Archbishop Emeritus Roger Schwietz, OMI celebrates his 50th anniversary of ordination as a priest. We had a Mass this evening at Our Lady of Guadalupe to mark the occasion. Bishop Andrew Belissario of Juneau was present, along with a good number of priests, deacons, religious and many of the lay faithful. Archbishop Schwietz presided and I preached. Archbishop Schwietz insisted that I preside and preach, but it seemed only appropriate that he preside for his anniversary. He also requested that the homily not be so much about him […]

Archbishop Etienne is pleased to announce the selection of Mr. John Harmon as the new Chancellor for the Archdiocese of Anchorage. John brings with him a vast amount of business, legal and pastoral experience as a former teacher, college president, ‘Fortune 100’ corporate attorney, and a Catholic high school principal. As Chancellor, John will be responsible for those duties pertaining to the office as defined in Canon Law, such as Notary and record keeper of official Archdiocesan documents. John will also assist with daily operations, planning, and policy review. Because John grew up in Alaska, […]

From my years as a student in Rome, I have had a great love for the Communion of Saints. But, St. Nicholas, whose feast we celebrate today, has been a favorite from my youth. Granted, my early memories are of the excitement going to bed the night before, anticipating what small gift would be found in the morning, whether in my shoe or an unexpected stocking with my name on it found somewhere in the house. I also remember visiting my grandparents home, and there would be a knock on the window or door, a […]

Welcome to my blog, and thanks for visiting! I became the 4th Archbishop of Anchorage on November 9, 2016 after 7 years as the Bishop of Cheyenne and many more as a priest of the Archdiocese of Indianpolis.

Preaching is a priority for my episcopal ministry, and this blog is my humble effort to engage the New Evangelization and to serve you, God’s holy, faithful people! Enjoy your visit, and together, may we grow in truth and love.